The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) is calling for a 24-hour police outpost, continued law enforcement presence, stricter noise control measures and CCTV surveillance to address persistent noise pollution and public disorder along the Kingston seawall corridor behind the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Georgetown.
Speaking with Kiskadee Watch last evening, President of THAG Mitra Ramkumar said the agency last May 15 dispatched a letter to Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond outlining how the area has become the source of disturbances, threatening the country’s image as a safe, high-quality tourism destination.
Among the immediate actions requested by the association are enhanced police patrols during night-time hours, the establishment of a permanent police outpost in the vicinity, strict enforcement of noise regulations, including decibel limits, and action against disorderly behaviour and public safety risks.
For the medium to long term, THAG recommended that the seawall stretch be designated a regulated recreational zone with clearly defined operating hours and behavioural standards, supported by adequate waste management systems, daily cleaning and CCTV monitoring.
According to the letter, the Guyana Marriott Hotel has reported persistent problems with excessive noise, public disorder and unsafe environmental conditions, not only on weekends but throughout the week, with disturbances often continuing into the early hours of the morning. The situation has resulted in repeated guest complaints, declining satisfaction ratings and loss of revenue from accommodation and food and beverage services, including reduced patronage of the hotel’s Poolside Caribe Bar.
The association also highlighted safety concerns arising from disorderly behaviour and hazardous waste, adding that the disturbances have negatively affected visitors’ perceptions of the Marriott as a preferred accommodation option. “Of particular concern is the apparent ineffectiveness of current enforcement measures, as disturbances resume shortly after intervention by authorities,” the association stated.
While signs prohibiting vending and loud music are already in place, THAG said these measures are frequently ignored and enforcement has been inconsistent. “It has been noted that as soon as the police leave the area, the music resumes at even higher levels,” the letter noted.
THAG warned that negative online reviews linked to the disturbances are increasing and are damaging not only the affected properties but Guyana’s tourism product overall. The association said the issue goes beyond Marriott as the Guyana Pegasus Hotel has also reported similar challenges.
Copies of the letter were sent to Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues, Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation Minister Zulfikar Ally, and National Security Advisor Gerald Gouveia.
In a Facebook post on Monday, Gouveia, the former THAG president, said the concerns about noise and disorder along the Kingston seawall deserve attention, noting that public access should remain unrestricted. He said the solution lies in responsible management of the area through enforcement of noise regulations, improved sanitation, enhanced security and accountability for repeat offenders. According to him, the goal should be to balance public enjoyment of the space with the needs of residents, businesses and visitors.
Meanwhile, Ramkumar said he also used the occasion of THAG’s Annual President’s Awards Dinner and Auction last Saturday to highlight the issue.
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